ANT: under pressure to hold its nerve

ANT, the AIM-listed provider of software and services to enable the delivery of digital TV, has bet heavily on the convergence of traditional and internet TV, and multi device viewing, but is suffering the consequences of its early commitment to an emerging market. ANT chairman Royston Hoggarth will tell AGM attendees today that lengthening sales cycles are taking their toll on new licence sales. Some of the pain will be reduced by “encouraging” Q1 royalty revenue from existing licensees but that does little to move the company forward. ANT is struggling to build a firmer financial footing (see ANT shares the strain with customers and partners). It looks like it will be a long haul so it needs to hold its nerve.